Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Department Offers a Variety of Leagues, Activities

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

Whether you're looking to set up a company softball team or simply get in some swimming at lunchtime, the Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Department offers a host of sporting and other activities. With the beautiful facilities available, it's a wonderful resource for anyone working or living in Hacienda.

Business Softball Leagues

The most popular program offered for local companies are the business softball leagues. Tailored for employees who may not live in the area, games in the business leagues start at 5:15 pm so that players can go right from work to the diamond.

"We can accommodate up to 50 teams, 25 for men and 25 co-ed," explains Jim Carlson, City of Pleasanton recreation supervisor.

The City sponsors two seasons per year, one in spring and another in the fall. Registration for the leagues begins in February and June, respectively. For the upcoming spring league, mail-in registration ends on February 18, with walk-in registrations being accepted on February 24 and 25.

A team must have at least 12 players to participate. As well as the business leagues, competitions are also organized for men of different ages and skill levels, women, and co-ed leagues.

Games are played at the Pleasanton Sports and Recreation Park, 5800 Parkside Drive. Call Jim Carlson at (925) 484-8335 for a registration packet or any additional information.

Court Sports

If you'd rather spend your time in court, there are several options available as well: basketball, volleyball, tennis, and badminton.

Basketball Organized basketball leagues are sponsored in the fall and winter each year, with teams of varying skill levels playing a ten-game regular season, plus playoffs. Games are played on Monday nights.

Fall league sign-ups for the competitive men's leagues begin in August, with play beginning in September.

There's also a men's 40 and over league which is held in the fall, winter, and summer, which plays on Sunday nights. If you're looking for less structure and just want to go in to shoot some hoops, open gyms are available for Pleasanton residents on Saturday mornings and for the general public on Sunday mornings. Call Rob Dondero at (925) 484-8381 for information.

Volleyball Up to 24 teams can play in the spring and fall volleyball leagues, which play on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Registration begins in early March for the spring season, which runs for ten weeks from March through May. Those interested in the fall league can sign up in September for a ten-week schedule beginning in October.

Drop-in volleyball is available Sunday evenings as well. Call Rob Dondero at (925) 484-8381 for details.

Tennis The beautiful Pleasanton Tennis and Community Park at the corner of Hopyard Road and Valley Avenue is home to ten courts, all open to the public. While hours vary according to weather and usage patterns, the courts are scheduled to be open from 9:00 am each day. Reservations are available and courts are also frequently open on a drop-in basis. Call (925) 484-8180 for information.

Badminton: Harvest Park Middle School is host to drop-in adult badminton on Saturdays from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am. Call (925) 484-8381 for details.

Get in the Swim of Things

The Dolores Bengtson Aquatic Center, at 4555 Black Avenue near Santa Rita Road, offers recreation options for those who like water activities.

The center has four heated pools including a large shallow pool, a diving pool with both 1- and 3-meter springboards, a 25-meter, 8-lane racing pool, and a 50-meter by 25-yard competitive pool.

Lap swimming is available Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 am and from 5:30 to 8:00 pm and on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.

Several water exercise programs are available as well, including aqua aerobics and a deep-water workout. Call (925) 484-8171 for details.

Other Activities

A variety of other classes and activities are offered as well, ranging from adult art and dance classes to cooking and personal finance. Activities Guides are available from the parks department at (925) 484-8160. Also, if you're interested in a class that's not currently offered, you can request it. Just call Anne Kassebaum at (925) 484-8251 with your suggestion.

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